Community Grants Scheme opens

Published on 24 February 2014

Local sporting and community organisations are invited to put up their hands for a share of Loddon Shire’s annual allocation to its Community Grants Scheme, which opens for its latest round early next month.

For the past 14 years, the Shire has given clubs and community groups the opportunity to request Council funds to put towards projects that develop or improve existing community facilities, programs or equipment.

To date, Council has invested around $1.2 million in 603 projects worth, in total, $4.7 million.

The scheme funds projects on a 2:1 basis, with Council giving $2 for every $1 contributed by the applicant.

The maximum amount that can be applied for is $10,000 and this requires a contribution of at least $5000 from the applicant, either cash or in-kind or both.
Last year, 38 grants were made, taking up almost the full allocation of $200,000.

Projects funded included restoration work at Boort Tennis Club, a new defibrillator for the Tarnagulla Rural Fire Brigade, the Nestboxes for Kids program run by the Loddon Plains Landcare Network, new goal posts for the Bears Lagoon Serpentine Football Club, further renovation work at Campbell’s Forest Hall and new solar panels at Wedderburn Golf Club.

Boort Tennis Club treasurer Alister McDougal said last year’s grant of $10,000 had been a great help.

“We had a white ant problem in the main part and bathrooms of the clubhouse and had to have that professionally addressed,” Mr McDougal said.

“The work was done during last winter with some small in-kind assistance from club members, with some re-carpeting needed afterwards.

“For a small club such as ours, $10,000 was highly beneficial.”

Loddon Plains Landcare Network secretary Michael Moore said last year’s grant of $3,000 had been a significant boost to the network’s Nestboxes for Kids program.

“Nestboxes for Kids began with a start-up grant from the Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Initiative, which enabled us to try it with Bridgewater Primary School,” Mr Moore said.

“Nestboxes were designed and built by members of the Bridgewater-Inglewood Men’s Shed and we, then put them up at selected sites in conjunction with the pupils.

“We’re now forming a partnership with Wedderburn College and plan to have more boxes built for a range of species and installed in the school grounds and at Hard Hill Reserve.

“The $3,000 we received last year has done a great deal to extend the project within the Loddon community.

“Things are really moving now.”

To see the full list of conditions, or find an application form, please phone Council on 5494 1200 or go to www.loddon.vic.gov.au after Monday 3 March.

Applications close on 2 May and will be considered by Council at its June meeting.